Good points... I have a GPS but I never bother to check my speed with the Fathom as that just seems a little too anal and besides the point. Anyhow with the Fathom LV I seem to hit that wall (or hull speed) that you mention at what seems to be a modest clip. I would certainly expect the RockPool to be quicker but then without making measurements, who knows? So maybe this Tuesday I will take out my trusty GPS and measure my cruising and max speeds with both boats.

And maybe that stern squat you mention is something that could be adjusted by moving the seat a little forward?

One thing that gets me with the Fathom and the relatively high coaming is that water pools in my spray skirt around my waist and is pretty annoying... it also tends to work into the cockpit (Seals Extreme Tour neoprene with a breathable waist section). After around 10 to 15 rolls I had to stop and use the pump before continuing. I suspect that the lower fit of the RP may help prevent that.

Anyhow, if I do bother to get out the GPS, I'll report back with the numbers.

Oh, also Evergreen is planning on carrying TideRace, which carries on the RockPool DNA. But I do like thermoformed materials for kayak construction. It's really nice to not be concerned over the occasional rock encounter. The Fathom hull has 'kissed' many bits of Canadian shield over the past couple of years and is none the worse for it.

Well Byron, the Eddyline Rockpool should be the boat for bouncing off of rocks. I was told that the bottom of the hull is 3/16" thick, or was it 3/8"...Nah. I should have paid closer attention. Anyway, I almost went into shock when the factory rep literally jumped on and then stomped all over the deck of the Rockpool from one end to the other. The boat twisted and bent, but popped right back into shape. That treatment would have pretty much destroyed most composite boats and probably would have messed up most poly boats.

That said, I still believe that a composite boat is awfully hard to beat for overall performance and satisfaction. As P&H asserts, "There is just something about a composite boat."

Yeah, and there's just something about head lice too

Seriously, I've been up to Georgian Bay twice now for trips and that's a great place for RM and thermoformed materials. The people with nice glassed boats were really trying to tiptoe through the gneiss. Those boats were magnets for quartz outcroppings.

But since thermoformed kayaks are kinda like real big water bottles, who cares if there's a scuff or two? Actually it adds character...

Over and out for now...

if you are still reading/looking:

At 5' tall, You are an extremely petite paddler. Pls. don't go for a boat like the Tempest or even the Montauk. They are both too big in the cockpit for you (too deep). Kayaks as you now know are supposed to be "worn" not loose like a canoe. If you can't get the right fit, you won't have the right connection w. your boat... and it will be harder to paddle and even harder to do some particular skills (edging, bracing, rolling if you want to go there)

Keep the Mystic on your list. It was MADE for a person your size... and since you want to to overnights occasionally, with a partner probably, it will have plenty of room for that.

Keep the Willow on your list.

Add the Avocet LV - again, perfectly sized for you. In fact this and the Mystic would be my top two recommendations for you to demo.

Add the composite Necky Eliza (NOT the plastic version, totally different boat in dimension and performance)

Happy shopping!

Hey, and while you're adding boats to your list, take a very close and special look at a Novus Composite 15'-8" model. They come in different versions, but they are all top of the line in value, quality, performance, looks and comfort.